System and method for providing a contest-based game

ABSTRACT

A method of multiple pricing for a predetermined shared jackpot in a contest-based game is disclosed. For instance, a contest-based game ticket that is purchased for one dollar can result in a five million dollar win, a contest-based game ticket that is purchased for two dollars can result in a ten million dollar win, a contest-based game ticket that is purchased for three dollars can result in a fifteen million dollar win, etc. Further, different winnings increments can be used. For instance, the three-dollar ticket can result in a twenty million dollar win. In addition, the contest-based game prize can be a variable prize that progressively increases with a percentage of each ticket sold. The determination of the winner of a contest-based game as described herein is made based on the player&#39;s prediction of occurrences that can transpire in association with a contest such as a sporting event or racing event, or a series of such events.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/766,656, filed on Jan. 27, 2004, entitled A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A GUARANTEE IN A LOTTERY. This application is also a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/043,913, filed on Jan. 25, 2005, entitled LOTTERY TICKET PROVIDING FOR MULTIPLE GAMES which in turn is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/766,676, filed on Jan. 27, 2004, entitled MULTIPLE PRICING SHARED SINGLE JACKPOT IN A LOTTERY by Robert J. Wright, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,948, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

A system and method are disclosed which generally relate to gaming, and more specifically to games of chance.

2. General Background

A contest-based game is a game of chance in which players predict one or more occurrences or outcomes in a designated sporting event or other contest, or group of sporting events or other contests, and prizes are distributed to those ticket holders who have accurately predicted the relevant outcome, result or occurrence that actually transpired during the contest or group of contests. As such, contest-based games resemble lottery games except that instead of drawing and matching a number or other set of indicia or symbols, the winners are determined based on the outcome of and occurrences during a contest, match, race, etc. Ticket holders generally make their predictions by selecting one or more of a series of numbers or other indicia, which can include, for example, a listing of independent sporting or other events, games, contests, matches, teams or races, which are printed on a ticket. Contest-based games are frequently offered in relation to a popular sport. For instance, contest-based games tickets can include predictions on the in-game or end-of-game scoring, or other indicia of accomplishment, of one or more of the teams or contestants in a sporting match.

After the contest-based game tickets have been sold and distributed to the contest-based game ticket holders, the contest proceeds (e.g., the applicable sporting matches are played). Some contest-based game systems can require the ticket to have the entire set of predicted outcomes reflected (i.e., actual outcomes match all predicted outcomes) while other contest-based game systems can require the occurrence of only a subset of the set of possible predicted outcomes in the contest-based game ticket or the predictions and outcomes relate only to a subset of the designated contests. In some such games, a subset can entitle the ticket holder to win a secondary prize. In other games, points can be assigned based on the occurrence of predicted outcomes, with prizes awarded based on the points earned through such process.

Contest-based games normally use a pari-mutuel model in which the prize is funded by a portion of the ticket sales. One potential problem with the pari-mutuel model is that a sufficient number of tickets need to be sold in order to provide a reasonable contest-based game prize. However, interest in purchasing contest-based game tickets is generally stimulated only when the prize becomes substantial. For instance, a large number of contest-based game tickets can be purchased for a game offering a one million dollar jackpot, but a disproportionately larger number of contest-based game tickets are likely to be purchased for a game offering a ten million dollar jackpot.

In addition, traditional contest-based games sell tickets for one price. If there are multiple ticket prices offered, the higher-priced tickets can provide an opportunity to improve the odds of winning. If there are multiple winners of a jackpot, the winners split the jackpot prize.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is a method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game. A first-price category is provided in which a first-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first price. The first-price contest-based game ticket can display a first plurality of player-selected symbols. The first plurality of player-selected symbols can be chosen by a first purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a sporting contest. The first-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if at least one of the first plurality of player-selected symbols can be a winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted. The first-price category can indicate a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price contest-based game ticket.

A second-price category can be provided in which a second-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second price. The second-price contest-based game ticket can display a second plurality of player-selected symbols. The second plurality of player-selected symbols can be chosen by a second purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a sporting contest. The second-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if at least one of the second plurality of player-selected symbols is the winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted. The second-price category can indicate a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price contest-based game ticket. The prize can include at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets. In one embodiment, the winning symbol in the first-price contest-based game ticket can be different the winning symbol in the second-price contest-based game ticket. In another embodiment, the winning symbol in the first-price contest-based game ticket is the same as the winning symbol in the second-price contest-based game ticket.

The method can also provide a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket, and the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

The method can also provide a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket and the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

The method can further provide a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula. The contest-based game can be a sport pool game.

In a further aspect of the method, the sporting contest can be a football game, a soccer match, a basketball game, a baseball game, a volleyball game, a hockey game, a tennis match, a rugby match, or a boxing match. The sporting contest can also be a horse race, a dog race, a car race, a skiing race, a skating race, or a track meet. In another aspect, the sporting contest can be a tournament.

In yet another aspect, the plurality of selectable symbols further can correspond to potential outcomes of the sporting contest. In another aspect, the winning ticket can further win based on the number of occurrences that were correctly predicted.

In another aspect of the method, the prize can be a jackpot, a progressive jackpot, or a fixed prize. Furthermore, the inter-sharing formula can be a weighted distribution that can provide a larger portion of the first percentage to winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets.

In another aspect, the method further can provide a third-price category in which a third-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a third price. The third-price contest-based game ticket can display a third plurality of player-selected symbols. The third plurality of player-selected symbols can be chosen by the purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a sporting contest. The third-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if at least one of the plurality of player-selected symbols can be a winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted. The third-price category can indicate a third known percentage of a prize that can be won by the third-price contest-based game ticket.

In addition, a third-price category intra-shared distribution of the third known percentage of the prize can be provided if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in a plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets has the winning symbol, and the third-price category is the only price category having the winning symbol. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets can share the third known percentage of the prize according to a third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

The method can further provide the divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, the divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, the divided third-price category intra-shared distribution of the third known percentage of the prize, and the inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets has the winning symbol, if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of second-price category contest-based game tickets has the winning symbol, and if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets has the winning symbol. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets can share the third known percentage of the prize according to the divided third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets and each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to a first triplet inter-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets according to a second triplet inter-sharing distribution formula.

In a further aspect, the method can provide a guarantee by a third party for the first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, as well as for the second-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize. In addition, the divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, the divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and the inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize can be guaranteed by a third party.

In another aspect, the method can also provide a secondary prize to a winning ticket if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets has a partially winning symbol. A partially winning symbol can represent an occurrence associated with a portion of the sporting contest. Additionally, a secondary prize can be provided to a winning ticket if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets has a partially winning symbol.

In another aspect, the method can further include providing an add-on game in the first-price category contest-based game ticket and the second-price category contest-based game ticket. The add-on game in the first-price category contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first pre-established add-on price. The add-on game in the second-price category contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second pre-established add-on price.

Furthermore, the add-on game in the first-price category contest-based game ticket can be offered at no additional cost, and the add-on game in the second-price category contest-based game ticket can be offered at no additional cost. A winner of the add-on game can be determined based on occurrences associated with the sporting contest, occurrences associated with a secondary sporting contest, or occurrences associated with a non-sporting contest.

In another aspect, there can be a method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game. A first-price category in which a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be purchased at a first price can be provided. Each of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can display a first plurality of symbols corresponding to a first selection of sporting contests. A ticket in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a first-price winning ticket if a predetermined number of sporting contests of the first selection of sporting contests have a predetermined outcome. The first-price category can indicate a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price winning ticket.

The method can further provide second-price category in which a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be purchased at a second price. Each of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can display a second plurality of symbols corresponding to a second selection of sporting contests. A ticket in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a second-price winning ticket if a predetermined number of sporting contests of the second selection of sporting contests have a predetermined outcome. The second-price category can indicate a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price winning ticket. The prize can include at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets.

In another aspect, the method can provide a guarantee of payment of the first-price category intra-shared distribution and a guarantee of payment of the second-price category intra-shared distribution. The guarantee can be in exchange for a stipulation of a percentage of ticket sales revenue from the first-price category contest-based game tickets and from the second-price category contest-based game tickets. The guarantee occurs prior to ticket sales in the contest-based game. The percentage of the ticket sales revenue is then received. The guarantee can ensure that the payment of the prize will be paid even if the ticket sales are not sufficient in amount to satisfy a prize-payment obligation. Furthermore, the guarantee can ensure that the payment of the prize will be made even if the percentage of the ticket sales revenue allocated to prizes is not sufficient in amount to satisfy the prize-payment obligation.

In one aspect, there can be a method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game. The method can provide a first-price category in which a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be purchased at a first price. Each of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can display a first symbol corresponding to a first predicted occurrence associated with a sporting contest. A ticket in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a first-price winning ticket if the predicted occurrence represented by the symbol in the first-price winning ticket occurs in association with the sporting contest. The first-price category can indicate a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price winning ticket.

Furthermore, a second-price category in which a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be purchased at a second price. Each of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can display a second symbol corresponding to a second predicted occurrence associated with the sporting contest. A ticket in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a second-price winning ticket if the second predicted occurrence represented by the second symbol in the second-price winning ticket occurs in association with the sporting contest. The second-price category can indicate a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price winning ticket. The prize can include at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets.

The method can further provide a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket, and the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

In addition, a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize can be provided if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket and the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

In another aspect, there can be a multi-priced contest-based game system. The system can comprise a first-price category module, a second-price category module, a first price intra-shared distribution module and a second price intra-shared distribution module.

The first-price category module can provide a first-price category in which a first-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first price. The first-price contest-based game ticket can display a player-selected symbol. The player-selected symbol can be chosen by the purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a sporting contest.

The first-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if the player-selected symbol can be a winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted. The first-price category can indicate a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price contest-based game ticket.

The second-price category module can provide a second-price category in which a second-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second price. The second-price contest-based game ticket can display a player-selected symbol. The player-selected symbol can be chosen by the purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a sporting contest. The second-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if the player-selected symbol is the winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted. The second-price category can indicate a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price contest-based game ticket. The prize can include at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets. The winning symbol can be different for a winning ticket in the first-price category and the winning ticket in the second-price category.

The first price intra-shared distribution module can provide a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket, and the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

The second price intra-shared distribution module can provide a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket and the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

In another aspect, the system further comprises a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution module that can provide a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution module that can provide a divided second known price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution module that can provide an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula.

In another aspect, the system also comprises a third-price category module that can provide a third-price category in which a third-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a third price. The third-price contest-based game ticket can display a player-selected symbol. The player-selected symbol is chosen by the purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a sporting contest. The third-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if the player-selected symbol can be a winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted. The third-price category can indicate a third known percentage of a prize that can be won by the third-price contest-based game ticket.

In yet another aspect, the system can further comprise a third-price category intra-shared distribution module that can provide a third-price category intra-shared distribution of the third known percentage of the prize if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in a plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets has the winning symbol. The third-price category can be the only price category having the winning symbol. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets can share the third known percentage of the prize according to a third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

In another aspect, there is another method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game. A first-price category is provided in which a first-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first price. The first-price contest-based game ticket can display a first player-selected symbol. The first player-selected symbol can be chosen by a first purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a sporting contest. The first-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if the first player-selected symbol can be a winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted. The first-price category can indicate a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price contest-based game ticket.

The method can also provide a second-price category in which a second-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second price. The second-price contest-based game ticket can display a second player-selected symbol. The second player-selected symbol can be chosen by a second purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a sporting contest. The second-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if the second player-selected symbol is the winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted. The second-price category can indicate a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price contest-based game ticket. The prize can include at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets. In one embodiment, the winning symbol in the first-price contest-based game ticket can be different the winning symbol in the second-price contest-based game ticket. In another embodiment, the winning symbol in the first-price contest-based game ticket is the same as the winning symbol in the second-price contest-based game ticket.

The method can also provide a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket, and the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

The method can further provide a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket and the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

The method can also provide a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula. The contest-based game can be a sport pool game.

In yet another aspect, there is another method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game wherein a first-price category and a second-price category are provided. In the first-price category, a first-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first price. The first-price contest-based game ticket can display a first player-selected symbol. The first player-selected symbol can be chosen by a first purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential outcomes in a sporting contest. The first-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if the first player-selected symbol can be a winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential outcome that is correctly predicted. The first-price category can indicate a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price contest-based game ticket.

The method can also provide a second-price category in which a second-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second price. The second-price contest-based game ticket can display a second player-selected symbol. The second player-selected symbol can be chosen by a second purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential outcomes in a sporting contest. The second-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if the second player-selected symbol is the winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential outcome that is correctly predicted. The second-price category can indicate a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price contest-based game ticket. The prize can include at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets. In one embodiment, the winning symbol in the first-price contest-based game ticket can be different the winning symbol in the second-price contest-based game ticket. In another embodiment, the winning symbol in the first-price contest-based game ticket is the same as the winning symbol in the second-price contest-based game ticket.

The method can also provide a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket, and the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

The method can further provide a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket and the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

The method can also provide a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula. The contest-based game can be a sport pool game.

In another aspect, another method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game is disclosed. A first-price category is provided in which a first-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first price. The first-price contest-based game ticket can display a first player-selected symbol. The first player-selected symbol can be chosen by a first purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences in a plurality of contests. The first-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if the first player-selected symbol can be a winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted. The first-price category can indicate a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price contest-based game ticket.

The method can also provide a second-price category in which a second-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second price. The second-price contest-based game ticket can display a second player-selected symbol. The second player-selected symbol can be chosen by a second purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences in the plurality of contests. The second-price contest-based game ticket can be a winning ticket if the second player-selected symbol is the winning symbol. The winning symbol can correspond to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted. The second-price category can indicate a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price contest-based game ticket. The prize can include at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets. In one embodiment, the winning symbol in the first-price contest-based game ticket can be different the winning symbol in the second-price contest-based game ticket. In another embodiment, the winning symbol in the first-price contest-based game ticket is the same as the winning symbol in the second-price contest-based game ticket.

The method can also provide a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket, and the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

The method can further provide a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket and the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.

The method can also provide a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be a winning ticket. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. Each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can share the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula. The contest-based game can be a sport pool game.

In a further aspect, the method can also provide that a contest in the plurality of contests can be any one of a soccer match, a football game, a basketball game, a baseball game, a volleyball game, a hockey game, a tennis match, a rugby match, or a boxing match. Furthermore, a contest in the plurality of contests can be any one of a horse race, a dog race, a car race, a skiing race, a skating race, or a track meet. The plurality of contests can also be a tournament.

In another aspect of the method, the prize can be a jackpot, a progressive jackpot, or a fixed prize. In yet another aspect of the method, the plurality of selectable symbols further can correspond to potential outcomes of the plurality of contests. Furthermore, the winning ticket can win based on the number of occurrences that were correctly predicted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By way of example, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a single-priced contest-based game system that is based on a pari-mutuel model.

FIG. 2 illustrates a multi-priced shared-jackpot contest-based game system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a winnings table for the multi-priced shared-jackpot contest-based game system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process that can be used with the multi-priced shared-jackpot contest-based game system illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a winnings table of a contest-based game having two three-dollar ticket winners.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a winnings table of a contest-based game having one three-dollar ticket winner and one one-dollar ticket winner.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a winnings table of a contest-based game having two three-dollar ticket winners and two one-dollar ticket winners.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a winnings table of a contest-based game having one three-dollar ticket winner, one two-dollar ticket winner, and one one-dollar ticket winner.

FIG. 9 illustrates a probabilistic contest-based game system.

FIG. 10 illustrates a probabilistic software configuration that can be used with the probabilistic contest-based game system in conjunction with the multi-priced shared-jackpot contest-based game system.

FIG. 11A illustrates an embodiment of a contest-based game ticket that provides an add-on game that requires a separate purchase.

FIG. 11B illustrates an embodiment of a contest-based game ticket that provides an add-on game that does not require a separate purchase.

FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of the pricing format utilized to provide the contest-based game ticket displayed in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates a contest-based game ticket dispensing machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system and method of multiple pricing for a predetermined percentage of participation in a shared jackpot in a contest-based game is disclosed. The contest-based game can be a sport pool game. A sport pool game is a contest-based game wherein a ticket holder selects from a plurality of sporting events or matches, and predicts that a pre-determined occurrence will transpire in or in connection with each of the selected sporting events, matches, tournaments, or contests.

Thus, a contest-based game ticket that is purchased for one dollar can result in a five million dollar win, a contest-based game ticket that is purchased for two dollars can result in a ten million dollar win, and a contest-based game ticket that is purchased for three dollars can result in a fifteen million dollar win, etc. The difference in increments is not limited to a set increment. For instance, in the example above, a five million dollar increment existed between the prize for each price category of tickets. However, any increment can be used. For instance, a contest-based game ticket that is purchased for one dollar can result in a five million dollar win, a contest-based game ticket that is purchased for two dollars can result in a ten million dollar win, a contest-based game ticket that is purchased for three dollars can result in a twenty million dollar win, etc. In one embodiment, a larger increment can be used to induce purchase of a higher-priced ticket.

Each price category can be associated with a distribution of a jackpot. For instance, a one-dollar ticket can win up to twenty-five percent of the jackpot, a two-dollar ticket can win up to fifty percent of the jackpot, and a three-dollar ticket can win up to one hundred percent of the jackpot. In another embodiment, each price category can be associated with a distribution of the jackpot. In one embodiment, the actual jackpot is not limited to the initially advertised or starting jackpot. The jackpot can increase with a percentage of each ticket sale being contributed to the jackpot. For instance, if the one-dollar ticket winner is the only winner, the one-dollar ticket winner can win twenty-five percent of a larger jackpot than initially advertised. In effect, the one-dollar ticket winner can win more than twenty-five percent of the initial jackpot.

The prizes can be won from a shared pool. For instance, even if the revenues for the one-dollar ticket do not cover the five million dollar prize, the combined revenues of the one-dollar and the two-dollar tickets can cover the five million dollar prize and vice versa. In one embodiment, a multi-priced contest-based game with a shared pre-determined starting jackpot is disclosed. For example, a contest-based game player having a one-dollar ticket attempting to win five million dollars and a contest-based game player having a two-dollar ticket attempting to win ten million dollars can both win a prize. The contest-based game player having a winning one-dollar ticket can receive a portion of the five million dollar prize and could have to share the other portion of the five million dollar prize with the contest-based game player having a winning two-dollar ticket. Accordingly, a winning two-dollar ticket holder can receive the remaining portion of the five million dollars and an additional five million dollars because the two-dollar ticket holder would have been entitled to ten million dollars if the two-dollar ticket holder won the contest-based game alone. The shared multi-priced contest-based game is not limited to one-dollar and two-dollar tickets. For example, a three-dollar ticket can also be provided. The three-dollar ticket holder with a winning ticket can share the contest-based game prize with the winning two-dollar ticket holder and the winning one-dollar ticket holder in a manner similar to that in which the winning two-dollar ticket holder shared the contest-based game prize with the winning one-dollar ticket holder.

The average revenue per ticket sold as a result of the multiple-pricing structure can result in higher revenue than traditional single-priced contest-based game systems. A contest-based game system can benefit by paying less to ticket holders that purchase the less expensive tickets while at the same time attracting more ticket purchasers who might only play if the jackpot is sufficiently large and might be willing to spend more in order to purchase higher-priced tickets so as to give themselves the opportunity to win a larger jackpot. The multi-priced system can be used independently or in conjunction with an entity that guarantees the prizes of the contest-based game system.

In one embodiment, fixed prizes can be offered in addition to or in lieu of a variable jackpot prize. A fixed prize is a prize that is typically not shared. If a contest-based game player has the winning symbol or symbols for a fixed prize, the contest-based game player can receive the entire fixed prize. If multiple contest-based game players have the winning symbol or symbols for a fixed prize, and there can be various levels of fixed prizes based on the structuring of the game and its prize matrix, then multiple contest-based game players can each receive the entire fixed prize without having to share the fixed prizes with the other players matching the same number of game-play symbols based on the outcomes in the relevant contests, or attaining the same score in the contest-based game. The fixed prize is different from the jackpot prize, which is typically shared by multiple winners, and which is typically variable. The fixed prizes can be distributed in their entirety to multiple players because the fixed prizes are generally much smaller than the jackpot prize. In one embodiment, the fixed prize can be the jackpot or highest prize. Multiple players can win the jackpot or highest prize without having to share that prize.

FIG. 1 illustrates a single-priced contest-based game system 100 that is based on a pari-mutuel model. A contest-based game operator 102 ca establishe the contest-based game. The contest-based game operator 102 can be a jurisdiction such as a country, state, province, city, town, municipality, or any division or department thereof. Further, the contest-based game operator 102 can be a private organization that a jurisdiction hires or licenses to conduct or coordinate the contest-based game. The contest-based game operator 102 can also be a private organization that can be hired or licensed by a jurisdiction. The coordination involved can include establishment, maintenance, operation and oversight and/or winnings determination.

The contest-based game operator 102 can advertise that a contest-based game has a prize. For example, the contest-based game operator 102 can advertise that the contest-based game prize will be a minimum of five million dollars. The contest-based game operator 102 can offer the top contest-based game prize as a jackpot 104. In one embodiment, the jackpot 104 can be a variable jackpot that increases through allocation of a portion of the ticket sales. The contest-based game operator 102 can also provide one or more fixed prizes 106 as secondary prizes. In one embodiment, ticket holders 108 can purchase tickets at a price of $x per ticket from a ticket seller 110. In another embodiment, ticket holders 108 can purchase tickets at a ticket price based on a local currency. The ticket seller can then send the ticket symbol or symbols and other data on each of the tickets to the contest-based game operator, typically through a computer network 102. If one of the ticket holders 108 wins the contest-based game, the contest-based game operator 102 or its agent, which can be the ticket seller, can then disburse the jackpot 104 to the ticket holder 108. On the other hand, if multiple ticket holders 108 win the contest-based game, the multiple ticket holders with the winning tickets can split the jackpot 104. For instance, FIG. 1 illustrates two ticket holders 108 winning the contest-based game. The contest-based game operator 102 can split the jackpot 104 and distribute half of the jackpot to each of the winning ticket holders 108.

The contest-based game operator 102 can also distribute a fixed prize 106. A ticket holder 108 can win a fixed prize that the ticket holder 108 does not have to share with other ticket holders 108. For instance, if multiple ticket holders 108 won the fixed prize 106, the contest-based game operator 102 can distribute the fixed prize 106 in its entirety to each of the multiple ticket holders 108 that won the fixed prize 106. In one embodiment, the multiple-pricing method and system can be applied to the fixed prize 106. The ticket holder 106 can qualify for the higher fixed prize 106 by purchasing a higher-priced ticket.

The contest-based game tickets can bear a symbol or symbols that represent the predictions of occurrences in or associated with a contest or a group of contests, which are selected by the player and reflected on his or her contest-based game ticket. In one embodiment, the symbol or symbols contained on the ticket can represent the contest-based game player's predictions of the occurrences in or associated with a contest. In another embodiment, the symbol or symbols contained in the ticket can represent the contest-based game player's predictions of the occurrences in or associated with a series of contests. The occurrences and set of contests can be selected by the contest-based game operator. The contest-based game player can predict the occurrences associated with a subset of such contests. The contest-based game players' prediction can be reflected on the player's contest-based game ticket in the form of a symbol or symbols or other indicia. In predicting multiple occurrences associated with a subset of contests, the contest-based game player can pre-select the symbol or symbols to be printed on a contest-based game ticket. If the occurrences predicted for the chosen contests as identified on the contest-based game ticket occur, or if sufficient points are earned or score is attained based on such predictions and occurrences, the ticket can be a winning ticket. The contest-based game operator can set pre-established rules that provide prizes according to whether the predictions of a player actually transpire in a contest or series of contests.

The symbol or symbols printed or otherwise presented on the ticket can represent the contest-based game player's prediction of an occurrence or outcome for each of the player-selected contests. In one example, the symbol or symbols can identify the subset of contests in which the final score can be predicted to result in a tie. In another example, the symbol or symbols can identify the subset of contests which can have a pre-defined score differential. In another example, the symbol or symbols on the ticket can indicate a prediction of the amount of time that a contest will last. In another example, the symbol or symbols on the ticket can indicate the number of the winning competitor in a race.

In one embodiment, ticket symbols can include numbers indicating scores, numbers of players, team numbers, team positions, racer positions, numbers of fouls or penalties, numbers or types of scoring plays, etc. In another embodiment, ticket symbols can include letters indicating team names, contestant names, etc. Ticket symbols can also include any alphanumeric character or any other printable character, indicia, figure, or designation that represents the contest-based game player's prediction of occurrences associated with one or more sporting events or other contests.

Multiple Contests

In one embodiment, the contest-based game can be based on multiple sporting events or other contests. In one example, the winning tickets can be determined based on one or more occurrences that take place or are determinable during or after the conclusion of series of contests. In another example, the winning tickets can be determined based on one or more non-occurrences that can be determinable during or after the conclusion of a contest or a series of contests.

The relevant occurrence or non-occurrence can be the winning of a team or contestant, the score attained by one or all participants, the number of sub-matches played or won, the number of fouls or penalties of a particular type, the number of fouls or penalties of any type, the winning margin between contestants, the number of the winning competitor in a race, a final draw in a sports match, a score at a specific time of a sports match, the existence or absence of a specific type of score, a contestant's playtime, etc.

For example, in a contest-based game based on a basketball sporting event, the symbol or symbols on the ticket can be a series of basketball games identified by numbers and the names of the teams. The purchaser of the ticket can select a specified number or subset of the listed games (for example, ten games out of forty) in which he or she predicts that the final score for both teams will total 190 points or above. If all the selections made by the purchaser of the ticket meet the game-play criteria for winning (i.e., the attainment of a composite score of 190 points or higher), the ticket purchaser can win the jackpot. If a subset of the selected symbol or symbols satisfies the game-play criteria, the ticket holder can qualify for a secondary prize.

In another example, the ticket can reflect a number of horse races. To win the jackpot, the player or ticket purchaser can be required to select a specified subset of the designated races (for example, five horse races out of twenty). The ticket purchaser can predict the race horses assigned the number four that will finish in fourth place. In another example, the contest-based game criteria can require that horses assigned three sequential numbers will finish the race in accordance with that sequence (e.g., 2-3-4 or 6-7-8), with or without regard to their place of finish. Here, too, a subset of the required correct predictions can qualify for a secondary prize.

Single Contest

In another embodiment, the contest-based game can be based on a single sporting event or contest. As such, the contest-based game can be, for example, a sport pool game. In one example, the winning tickets can be determined based on one or more occurrences that take place or are determinable during or after the conclusion of a single contest. In another example, the winning tickets can be determined based on one or more non-occurrences that are determinable during or after the conclusion of a single contest. The relevant occurrence or non-occurrence can be the winning of a team or contestant, the score attained by one or all participants, the arrival order of or distance between competitors in a race, the absence of penalties or disqualifications, the absence of a score or type of score, etc.

For example, in a contest-based game based on a tennis-based sporting event, the symbol or symbols on the ticket can represent the final scores for each of the sets in a tennis match or a series of matches in a tennis tournament. For a specified tennis match, the purchaser of the ticket can be required to predict the final score as well as the score for each game. If the specified tennis match ends with a given number configuration for the final scores for each set and/or game, then the purchaser of the ticket can meet the game-play criteria for winning and can consequently win the jackpot. If only a subset of the predictions prove correct, then the ticket holder can qualify for a secondary prize. In another example, the player can have to predict which matches in a tennis tournament will have a pre-determined score or outcome, or will involve a specified number of tiebreaker games. In yet another example, the game-play criteria can require that ticket holders predict the duration of a tennis match. Each ticket holder's prediction can be recorded on the contest-based game ticket. Once the tennis match finishes, those ticket holders who predicted the correct number of minutes can win. In another example, ticket holders who predicted the correct number of minutes and seconds can win.

In another example, the game can involve a horse race. To win the jackpot, the player or ticket purchaser can be required to indicate the time or distance differential between the arrival of the winner of the race and the last-place horse. In another example, the contest-based game criteria can require that players choose whether time differentials between arriving horses are even or odd. If the player correctly predicts all of the time or distance differentials, the player can win the jackpot. If the player predicts only a subset of the time differentials, the player can qualify for a secondary prize.

A contest as described herein can include a football game, a soccer match, a basketball game, a tennis match, a hockey game, a volleyball game, a chess match, a boxing match, etc. In one embodiment, a contest can be a race such as a horse race, dog race, car race, motorcycle race, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a contest is not limited to sports. For example, the game can be related to beauty contests or talent contests, etc.

If the contest does not take place, a random generator can be utilized to generate random hypothetical occurrences and outcomes associated with the contest. In another embodiment, if the contest does not take place, a neutral group of experts can be utilized to generate hypothetical occurrences associated with the contest.

The contest-based game player can request that the symbol or symbols associated with predicted occurrences be selected at random by a computing device instead of the player making the selections. If the occurrences associated with the randomly generated symbol or symbols reflected on a ticket transpire, then the player can win a pre-established prize or percentage of a prize. By providing a random generation of the symbol or symbols selection, the contest-based game player does not need to have associated skill or knowledge about the contest or contests upon which the game is based. Thus, the game player can view the contest-based game purely as a probabilities game or game of chance. Even where the player makes his or her selections, the contest-based game can be designed as game of chance.

In another embodiment, when the contest-based game player selects the symbol or symbols by predicting occurrences or outcomes associated with a particular series or subset of contests, the player can be provided with the opportunity to utilize his or her knowledge about the contests, which can induce the player to purchase more tickets or higher-priced tickets. For example, a football fan can utilize his or her knowledge about the teams, players and the rules of the game to assist in predicting particular occurrences associated with football games. The knowledge-based predictions made by the football fan can be utilized by the fan when purchasing a ticket for a football-based contest-based game. The football fan can be more enthusiastic about participating in the contest-based game because the football fan can feel that his knowledge provides an advantage. However, most contest-based games are designed as games of chance rather than games of skill. Consequently, the perceived benefit of sports-related knowledge is typically illusory. Nevertheless, the subject matter or nature of the applicable contests can increase player interest.

As such, while a football fan can utilize his or her knowledge about the particular sport and associated contests, a game operator can provide a game that is nevertheless purely based on probabilities so that a person without any knowledge of the sport has the same chances of winning as a football fan that has extensive knowledge of football.

Therefore, in one embodiment, the contest-based game as described herein is a game based purely on probabilities. In another embodiment, the contest-based game can be a game based on a combination of skill of the ticket holder as well as probability.

Multiple Pricing

One of the difficulties of the single-priced contest-based game system 100 is that the single-priced contest-based game system 100 does not optimize the amount spent by a customer and the size of the jackpot 104. Some prospective ticket purchasers may want to purchase a less expensive contest-based game ticket even if the associated prize is relatively small. Alternatively, some prospective ticket purchasers may not wish to purchase a contest-based game ticket unless the jackpot 104 is relatively large. These prospective ticket purchasers may be willing to pay more for a contest-based game ticket that provides a larger prize and/or to buy more tickets. Further, some prospective ticket purchasers generally buy contest-based game tickets regardless of the size of the jackpot 104. The single-priced contest-based game system 100 does not optimize the performance of a contest-based game since it does not create an optimal incentive for the customer to spend more and thereby increase the revenue of the contest-based game operator 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates a shared multi-priced shared-jackpot contest-based game system 200. A ticket seller 202 provides contest-based game tickets according to different price categories. A ticket holder 204 can purchase a contest-based game ticket in a first-price category. For instance, the first-price category can be contest-based game tickets purchased for $x. The first-price category can be associated with a first distribution of a contest-based game prize that can be won. For example, the ticket holder 204 can have purchased the contest-based game ticket for one dollar in order to win up to twenty-five percent of the jackpot. In one embodiment, the starting jackpot can be increased with a percentage of ticket sales revenue. Therefore, the ticket holder 204 can win up to twenty-five percent of a larger jackpot than initially advertised. In another embodiment, the starting jackpot can be increased with the number of tickets sold. A minimum amount of ticket sales need not be required for the contribution of ticket sales revenue into the jackpot 104. The addition of a percentage of ticket sales to the jackpot results in it being a progressive jackpot. In essence, a variable prize is offered with a progressive jackpot. The prize can increase with each ticket sale. In one embodiment, the prize can increase with a portion of the ticket sales. In another embodiment, the progressive jackpot can be divided among multiple winners. In one embodiment, a minimum amount of ticket sales is not required. The contest-based game jackpot prize can be a variable prize from the outset. A percentage of each ticket sale can be contributed to the variable-prize jackpot.

In one embodiment, the progressive model can be applied so that each price category benefits. If the jackpot increases in size, potential winnings for each price category can increase because the jackpot increases.

In one embodiment, if the only winning contest-based game tickets are in the first-price category, then the first distribution of the jackpot can be made according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. In one embodiment, the first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can require an even distribution among all the winners in the first-price category. In the example above, if two ticket holders 204 have a winning ticket symbol or symbols, the two ticket holders 204 can share evenly the first distribution or the pre-established percentage or portion of the jackpot allocable to the first-price category. In one example, the first distribution of the prize can be twenty-five percent. Therefore, the two ticket holders 204 would each receive twelve and one-half percent of the prize. In one embodiment, if the ticket holder 204 has the only winning ticket in the contest-based game, the first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula provides the entirety of the first distribution of the prize to the ticket holder 204. In this example, the ticket holder 204 would receive twenty-five percent of the prize. In one embodiment, the remaining seventy-five percent of the jackpot 104 can be rolled over to increase the prize for subsequent contests and associated contest-based games.

In another embodiment, the first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can be weighted. In one embodiment, the intra-sharing distribution formula can be weighted in favor of the number of tickets purchased in the current contest-based game. For example, if two ticket holders 204 are the only ticket winners in the contest-based game, one of the ticket holders 204 can have purchased one hundred contest-based game tickets for the current contest-based game whereas the other one of the ticket holders 204 can have only purchased one contest-based game ticket for the current contest-based game. A weighting can be established so that the ticket holder 204 that purchased one hundred tickets in the current contest-based game can win, for example, twenty-percent of the prize whereas the ticket holder 204 that purchased one ticket in the current contest-based game can win, for example, five percent of the prize.

In yet another embodiment, the first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can be weighted in favor of previous ticket purchases. For example, if two ticket holders 204 have the only winning tickets in the contest-based game, one of the ticket holders 204 can have purchased one hundred contest-based game tickets in previous contest-based games whereas the other one of the ticket holders 204 can have purchased a contest-based game ticket for the first time. The first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can include a frequent-participation variable for a contest-based game that can provide a larger portion of the first distribution to the ticket holder 204 that previously purchased one hundred tickets. For example, the ticket holder 204 that previously purchased one hundred tickets can receive twenty percent of the prize whereas the ticket holder 204 that purchased no tickets previously and only purchased one ticket for the current game can receive only five percent of the prize. This is only one example. The frequent-participation contest-based game variable can also provide a small differential. For instance, the ticket holder 204 that previously purchased one hundred tickets can receive thirteen percent of the prize and the ticket holder 204 that purchased only one current-game ticket can receive twelve percent of the prize. The contest-based game operator 102 can find that use of a frequent-participation prize variable for a contest-based game can provide more incentive to ticket holders 204 to participate, or purchase more tickets in the contest-based game. The first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can be determined according to consumer demand. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of formulae can be used for weighting the distribution. The first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can be a variable, a ratio, etc.

In one embodiment, the contest-based game prize can be a progressive cash jackpot. However, in alternative embodiments, other types of prizes can be used, including without limitation, non-progressive pari-mutuel cash prizes, fixed cash prizes, merchandise prizes and redeemable coupons.

FIG. 2 also illustrates that a ticket holder 206 can purchase a contest-based game ticket in a second-price category. For instance, the second-price category can be contest-based game tickets purchased for $y. The second-price category can be associated with a second distribution of a contest-based game prize that can be won. For example, the ticket holder 206 can have purchased the contest-based game ticket for two dollars in order to win up to fifty percent of the jackpot. In one embodiment, if the only winning contest-based game tickets are in the second-price category, then the second distribution is made according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. In one embodiment, the second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can require an even distribution among all the winners in the second-price category. In the example above, if two ticket holders 206 have a winning ticket symbol or symbols, the two-ticket holders 206 can share the applicable distribution evenly. In the example, the second distribution of the prize, or in combination with the first distribution, was fifty percent. Therefore, the two ticket holders 206 would each receive twenty-five percent of the prize. In one embodiment, if the ticket holder 206 is the only winning ticket holder in the contest-based game, the second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can provide the entirety of the second distribution of the prize to the ticket holder 206. In this example, the ticket holder 206 would receive fifty percent of the jackpot.

In one embodiment, the second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can be weighted. The second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can be weighted in the same manner as the first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of formulae can be used for weighting the distribution. The second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can be a variable, a ratio, etc.

In one embodiment, if a ticket holder 204 and a ticket holder 206 have winning contest-based game tickets, an inter-sharing distribution formula can be used to determine how the ticket holder 204 and the ticket holder 206 should share the jackpot. In one embodiment, the contest-based game operator 102 can split the first distribution so that the ticket holder 204 can receive half of the first distribution and the ticket holder 206 can receive half of the first distribution. The ticket holder 206 can additionally receive the second distribution minus the first distribution. For example, if the first distribution is twenty-five percent and the second distribution is fifty percent, in the aggregate, or an additional twenty-five percent, the ticket holder 204 would receive twelve and one-half percent. The ticket holder 206 would receive twelve and one-half percent in addition to twenty-five percent. Therefore, the ticket holder 206 would receive thirty-seven and one-half percent of a jackpot. The inter-sharing distribution formula need not be limited to an even distribution. In one embodiment, the inter-sharing distribution formula can be weighted to favor the higher price category. In other words, the ticket holder 206 can be rewarded for purchasing a higher-priced ticket. For example, the ticket holder 204 can receive only one-third of the twenty-five percent, with the ticket holder 206 receiving two-thirds of the twenty-five percent from the first distribution in addition to an entire twenty-five percent from the second distribution.

Although each ticket price can be associated with a percentage of the jackpot, the winnings come from a shared jackpot. In the example above, even if only one ticket is purchased in the first-price category, the ticket holder 204 having a ticket with a winning symbol or symbols can receive twenty-five percent of a jackpot, assuming that there are no other holders of winning tickets, that can be funded primarily by higher ticket price categories. Variations can occur from contest-based game to contest-based game in the number of tickets purchased in each price category. The contest-based game operator 102 can increase the chances that the jackpot will be sufficient to cover winnings in each of the price categories by having a single pool from which disbursements are made for winnings in any of the price categories. The use of the single pool for multi-priced contest-based game tickets can be used independent of the sharing methodology discussed above. However, the contest-based game operator 102 can further optimize the performance of the contest-based game by using a single jackpot pool in conjunction with the sharing methodology. Further, the intra-sharing methodology can be used independent of the inter-sharing methodology. However, the contest-based game operator 102 can optimize performance by using the intra-sharing methodology in conjunction with the inter-sharing methodology.

FIG. 2 also illustrates that a ticket holder 208 can purchase a contest-based game ticket in a third-price category. For instance, the third-price category can be contest-based game tickets purchased for $z. The third-price category can be associated with a third distribution of a contest-based game prize that can be won. For example, the ticket holder 208 can have purchased the contest-based game ticket for three dollars in order to win up to one hundred percent of the jackpot 104. In one embodiment, if the only winning contest-based game tickets are in the third-price category, then the third distribution can be made according to a third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. In one embodiment, the third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can require an even distribution among all the winners in the third-price category. In the example above, if two ticket holders 208 have winning tickets, the two ticket holders 208 can share the third distribution evenly. In one example, the third distribution of the prize can be one hundred percent. Therefore, the two ticket holders 208 would each receive fifty percent of the prize. In one embodiment, if the ticket holder 208 has the only winning ticket in the contest-based game, the third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can provide the entirety of the third distribution of the prize to the ticket holder 208. In this example, the ticket holder 208 would receive one hundred percent of the jackpot.

In one embodiment, the third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can be weighted. The third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can be weighted in a manner similar to that used for the first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of formulae can be used for weighting the distribution. The third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula can be a variable, a ratio, etc.

In one embodiment, if the ticket holder 204, the ticket holder 206, and the ticket holder 208 have winning contest-based game tickets, a first triplet inter-sharing distribution formula can be used to determine how the ticket holder 204, the ticket holder 206, and the ticket holder 208 should share the first distribution of the jackpot. In one embodiment, the contest-based game operator 102 can split the first distribution so that the ticket holder 204 can receive one-third of the first distribution, the ticket holder 206 can receive one-third of the first distribution, and the ticket holder 208 can receive one-third of the first distribution, or eight and one-third percent each. A second triplet inter-sharing distribution formula can be used to determine how the ticket holder 206 and the ticket holder 208 share the second distribution minus the first distribution, namely twenty-five percent. In one embodiment, the contest-based game operator 102 can split the net second distribution so that the ticket holder 206 can receive one-half of the net second distribution and the ticket holder 208 can receive the other half of the net second distribution, or an additional twelve and one-half percent each.

The ticket holder 208 additionally can receive the third distribution minus the second distribution. Thus, if the third distribution is one-hundred percent, and the second distribution is fifty percent, the ticket holder 208 can receive the additional net third distribution of fifty percent.

Thus, ticket holders 204, 206 and 208 inter-share the first distribution, which is twenty-five percent. Ticket holders 206 and 208 inter-share the net second distribution (i.e. the second distribution minus the first distribution), or twenty-five percent. Finally, the ticket holder 208 receives the net third distribution (i.e. the third distribution minus the second distribution), or fifty-percent.

In sum, the ticket holder 204 would receive eight and one-third percent. The ticket holder 206 would receive eight and one-third percent in addition to twelve and one-half percent. Therefore, the ticket holder 206 would receive twenty and five-sixths percent. Finally, the ticket holder 208 would receive eight and one-third percent in addition to twelve and one-half percent and in addition to fifty percent. Therefore, the ticket holder 208 would receive seventy and five-sixths percent.

The first triplet inter-sharing distribution formula can require an even distribution of the first distribution. However, in one embodiment, the first inter-sharing distribution formula can be weighted. The ticket holder 206 can be given a greater portion of the first distribution than the ticket holder 204. Further, the ticket holder 208 can be given a greater portion of the first distribution than the ticket holder 206. However, different variations are possible. A volume purchase or frequent-participation prize variable for a contest-based game (where the prize received is based, for example, on the number of tickets purchased or the amount spent on tickets in the current or past games) can be used to determine weighting. In other words, the ticket holder 204 can potentially receive the largest portion of the first distribution if the ticket holder 204 has purchased the most contest-based game tickets. Alternatively, the ticket holder 204 can receive the largest weighting of the first distribution to give incentive to the ticket holder 204 because the ticket holder 204 does not get to receive a portion of the second distribution or of the third distribution. However, in another embodiment, to provide an inducement to prospective players to purchase higher-priced tickets, even if the ticket holder 204 spent an equivalent or a greater amount on purchasing tickets than the ticket holder 206, the incentive of the ticket holder 206 can be further increased over that of the ticket holder 204. The ticket holder 206 can receive a greater weighted portion of the second distribution than the ticket holder 208 because the ticket holder 206 does not receive a portion of the third distribution or for other reasons related to the weighting formula. However, in another embodiment, the incentive of the ticket holder 208 can be further increased over that of the ticket holder 204 and that of the ticket holder 206. These weighted variations and others can also be used with the first triplet inter-sharing distribution formula.

As stated in previous examples, there can be one winning ticket in each price category. In another embodiment, multiple ticket winners can exist in some or all of the different price categories. A divided intra-sharing distribution within each price category can be applied so that winners in each price category can split the winnings according to a divided intra-sharing distribution formula. In the example above, the ticket holder 204 received eight and one-third percent. In one embodiment, a first divided intra-sharing distribution formula can determine how to split the winnings for the first distribution. For instance, in the example above, if two ticket holders 204 had winning tickets, and there were two winning tickets from higher-price categories, one of the ticket holders 204 can receive approximately a fourth of the first distribution percentage, or six and one-fourth percent, and the other ticket holder 204 would also receive approximately six and one-fourth percent.

In another embodiment, a second divided intra-sharing distribution formula can determine how to split the winnings for the second distribution. For instance, in the example above, if two ticket holders 206 had winning tickets, and assuming there was one winning ticket in the first-price category and one winning ticket in the third-price category, one of the ticket holders 206 would receive fourteen and seven-twelfths percent and the other ticket holder 206 would also receive fourteen and seven-twelfths percent. In one embodiment, a third divided intra-sharing distribution formula determines how to split the winnings for the third distribution. For instance, in the example above, if two ticket holders 208 had winning tickets, and assuming there was one winning ticket in the first-price category and one winning ticket in the second-price category, one of the ticket holders 208 would receive thirty-nine and seven-twelfths percent while the other one of the ticket holders 208 would also receive thirty-nine and seven-twelfths percent. The distributions do not have to be the same across price categories. Further, within price categories, the distributions can be weighted as discussed above with respect to the intra-sharing distributions.

Although, in the above discussion, the first-price category was associated with the ticket holder 204, the second-price category with the ticket holder 206, and the third-price category with the ticket holder 208, the ticket holders can be associated with different price categories. For instance, the first-price category can be associated with the ticket holder 204 and the third-price category can be associated with the ticket holder 206. The inter-sharing distribution variable as discussed above can be used to share the jackpot if the ticket holder 204 and the ticket holder 206 were the only winning ticket holders. For instance, the ticket holder 204 would receive one-half of twenty-five percent. The ticket holder 206 would receive one-half of twenty-five percent in addition to seventy-five percent. Further, the methodologies discussed above can be extended to any number of price categories. For instance, there can be a fourth-price category. Any number of price categories can be used. In addition, purchasers of contest-based game tickets can purchase tickets in more than one price category.

In one embodiment, the shared multi-priced contest-based game system 200 can be used with a video contest-based game. In another embodiment, the multi-priced shared-jackpot contest-based game system 200 can be used with online contest-based games that are provided on a network such as the Internet.

In one embodiment, the multi-priced shared-jackpot contest-based game system 300 can be computerized. Software modules can be used to establish and coordinate the multi-priced contest-based game system. The use of computerized technologies can help facilitate calculating the sharing distributions. Without the computerized technologies, the quantity of the calculations can be burdensome.

A first-price category module can provide a first-price category in which a plurality of first-price category contest-based game tickets can be purchased. Further, a second-price category module can provide a second-price category in which a plurality of second-price category contest-based game tickets can be purchased. A first price intra-shared distribution module can provide a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first distribution of the prize if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of first-price category contest-based game tickets has a winning symbol or symbols. Further, a second-price category intra-shared distribution module can provide a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second distribution of the prize if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of second-price category contest-based game tickets has a winning symbol or symbols. Additional intra-shared distribution modules can be used for additional price categories.

In one embodiment, a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution module can provide a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first distribution of the prize. In addition, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution module can provide a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second distribution of the prize. An inter-shared distribution module can provide an inter-shared distribution of the first distribution of the prize if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of first-price category contest-based game tickets has the requisite winning symbol or symbols and if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of second-price category contest-based game tickets has the requisite winning symbol or symbols.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a winnings table 300 for the multi-priced shared-jackpot contest-based game system of FIG. 2. For example, a contest-based game can have a jackpot of ten million dollars. Contest-based game players can purchase a one-dollar ticket, a two-dollar ticket, and a three-dollar ticket. The one-dollar ticket only gives the ticket holder a chance at receiving up to twenty-five percent of the jackpot. Therefore, the one-dollar ticket holder can at best receive two million five hundred thousand dollars if the one-dollar ticket holder did not have to share the jackpot with any other winners. The two-dollar ticket holder can at best receive five million dollars if the two-dollar ticket holder does not have to share the jackpot with any other ticket holders. Finally, the three-dollar ticket holder can at best receive the full jackpot of ten million dollars if the three-dollar ticket holder does not have to share the jackpot with any other ticket holders.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process 400 that can be used with the multi-priced shared-jackpot contest-based game system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. The process 400 begins at a process block 402. The process 400 advances to a process block 404 to provide a first-price category. Further, the process 400 then advances to a process block 406 to provide a second-price category. The process then advances to a process block 408 to determine the winning contest-based game tickets. The usual method of selecting the winning tickets involves a comparison to determine whether the predicted occurrences as shown on the ticket transpired during or by the conclusion of the performance of the relevant contests. In one embodiment, each contest-based game ticket can include a symbol or symbols indicative of the occurrence or non-occurrence of outcomes and results as related to a group of contests or a single contest.

The process 400 then advances to a decision block 410 where it is determined whether there is a winner in both the first-price category and the second-price category. If there is a winner in both the first-price category and the second-price category, then the process 400 advances to a process block 412 where the first distribution of the jackpot prize is distributed through an intra-shared distribution as discussed in FIG. 2. The process 400 then advances to a process block 414 where the second distribution of the jackpot prize is distributed through an intra-shared distribution as discussed in FIG. 2. The process 400 then advances to a process block 416 where the first distribution is distributed through an inter-shared distribution of the jackpot so that the winning ticket holders in the second-price category receive the appropriate share of the first distribution.

If the decision block 410 determines that there is not both a winner in the first-price category and a winner in the second-price category, the process 400 advances to a decision block 418. At the decision block 418, the process 400 determines if there is a winner in the first-price category. If there is a winner in the first-price category, the process 400 advances to a process block 420 where the process 400 distributes the jackpot prize through an intra-shared distribution to a winner or winners in the first-price category. If the decision block 418 determines that there is not a winner in the first-price category, the process 400 advances to a decision block 422 to determine if there is a winner in the second-price category. If there is a winner in the second-price category, the process 400 advances to a process block 424 where the process 400 distributes the jackpot prize through an intra-shared distribution to winners in the second-price category. If there is not a winner in the second-price category, the process 400 determines that there are not any winners and the process ends at process block 426. In one embodiment, there is a roll over of the jackpot prize. In one embodiment, the undistributed jackpot is used in a future contest-based game based on new contests. In one embodiment, the roll over includes a percentage of the jackpot for use in a future contest-based game. In one embodiment, the contest-based game operator 102 takes a percentage of the ticket sales revenue and adds that percentage to a future contest-based game starting jackpot even if there is a winner in the present jackpot. The process 400 can be extended to cover three price categories. Further, the process 400 can be extended to cover any number of price categories. In one embodiment, the process 400 can be implemented on a computer readable medium.

FIGS. 5 through 8 illustrate various examples of the multi-priced shared-jackpot contest-based game system 200. These examples of multi-pricing and of sharing of the jackpot can be applied to contest-based games as describe above. By way of example, the contest-based game can be one for horseracing. The contest-based game player can be provided the option to choose five out of twenty races and pick the racehorse that will finish third in each race. There can be three ticket prices: one dollar, two dollars, and three dollars. In this example, a first player buys a one-dollar ticket, a second player buys a two-dollar ticket, and the third player buys a three-dollar ticket. In one instance, each of the three players can choose the same combination of races along with the same selections of horses that are predicted to finish third in the corresponding races. If the predictions of the players are accurate (i.e. the chosen competitors finish third in the selected horse races), all players can be winners. However, the distribution amounts can vary depending upon the price of the ticket purchased by each contest-based game player. The three-dollar ticket holder can receive a higher prize than that received by the two-dollar ticket holder and the one-dollar ticket holder, even when the three-dollar ticket holder made the same predictions as the one-dollar ticket holder and the two-dollar ticket holder. Likewise, the two-dollar ticket holder can receive a higher prize than the prize received by the one-dollar ticket holder, even when the two-dollar ticket holder made the same predictions as the one-dollar ticket holder. Various permutations of winning, and thereby of prize distributions, including the distribution of secondary prizes, can be possible.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a winnings table 500 for a contest-based game having two three-dollar ticket winners. The jackpot can be ten million dollars. The distribution can reflect one three-dollar ticket winner sharing the ten million dollar jackpot with another three-dollar ticket winner through an intra-sharing distribution. One of the three-dollar ticket winners can receive five million dollars at a sharing section 504, which can represent fifty percent of the jackpot. Further, the other three-dollar ticket winner can receive five million dollars at a sharing section 506, which can represent the remaining fifty percent of the jackpot.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a winnings table 600 for a contest-based game having one three-dollar ticket winner and one one-dollar ticket winner. The jackpot can be ten million dollars. The distribution 602 displays one three-dollar ticket winner that shares the jackpot with one one-dollar ticket winner. The one-dollar ticket winner can receive one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars at a sharing section 604 through an inter-sharing distribution of twenty-five percent of the jackpot. Further, the three-dollar ticket winner can receive one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars through an inter-sharing distribution at an inter-sharing section 606. Finally, the three-dollar ticket winner alone can receive seven million five hundred thousand dollars representing the balance of seventy-five percent of the jackpot at a sharing section 608.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a winnings table 700 for a contest-based game having two three-dollar ticket winners and two one-dollar ticket winners. The jackpot can be ten million dollars. A distribution 702 displays a one-dollar winner receiving six hundred twenty-five thousand dollars at a sharing section 704, a one-dollar winner receiving six hundred twenty-five thousand dollars at a sharing section 706, a three-dollar winner receiving six hundred twenty-five thousand dollars at a sharing section 708, and a three-dollar winner receiving six hundred twenty-five thousand dollars at a sharing section 710. The one-dollar ticket winners can receive their winnings through an intra-shared distribution. Further, the three-dollar ticket winners can receive a portion of the twenty-five percent associated with the first-price category through an inter-shared distribution of one quarter each. Further, each of the three-dollar ticket winners can each receive an additional three million seven hundred fifty thousand dollars through an intra-shared distribution of the one hundred percent minus the twenty-five percent.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a winnings table 800 for a contest-based game having one three-dollar ticket winner, one two-dollar ticket winner, and one one-dollar ticket winner. The jackpot can be ten million dollars. A distribution 802 displays a one-dollar winner receiving eight hundred thirty-three thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars in a sharing section 804 according to an intra-shared distribution of twenty-five percent of the jackpot. The two-dollar ticket holder can also receive eight hundred thirty-three thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars in a sharing section 806 according to the inter-shared distribution of twenty-five percent of the jackpot. Accordingly, the three-dollar ticket holder also can also receive eight hundred thirty-three thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars in a sharing section 808 according to the inter-shared distribution of twenty-five percent of the jackpot. Further, the two-dollar ticket holder can receive an additional one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars at a sharing section 810 through an intra-shared distribution of the second distribution. In addition, the three-dollar ticket holder can receive an additional one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars at a sharing section 812 through an inter-shared distribution of the second distribution. Finally, the three-dollar ticket holder can receive an additional five million dollars at a sharing section 814 through an intra-shared distribution because the third distribution minus the first and second distributions equals fifty percent. In one embodiment, the ticket holder in the highest price category can receive the distribution associated with the highest price category minus the distributions associated with the lower price categories in which such ticket holder will also share based on an inter-sharing distribution formula. Intra-sharing distribution can occur in this remainder. Alternative embodiments can allow for different methodologies for calculating the remainder.

Finally, while the above examples refer to sharing a jackpot prize among contest-based game players whose predictions or selections were entirely accurate, secondary prizes can be offered to those players whose predictions or selections were partially accurate based on the occurrences, non-occurrences or outcomes associated with a sporting event, a contest, a series of sporting events, or a series of contests. A contest can be a sporting event. As stated above, some contest-based game systems can require the ticket to have the entire set of predicted outcomes (i.e., actual outcomes match all predicted outcomes), while other contest-based game systems can require the occurrence of only a subset of the predictions on the contest-based game ticket. In some games, the player can select a subset of the sport events or contests for which the player predicts the required occurrence or outcome as reflected in the contest-based game ticket, and can win if all or at least some of such predictions prove to be correct. In some other games, the ticket holder can be awarded a secondary prize based on the occurrence or accuracy of a subset of the predictions. The secondary prizes can be fixed prizes, a percentage of a jackpot prize, a percentage of contest-based game ticket revenues, a shared percentage of contest-based game ticket revenues, etc. Such prizes can be in the form of cash, merchandise, redeemable coupons or a combination.

In one embodiment, secondary prizes awarded to ticket holders can also be dependant upon the price of the ticket purchased by the ticket holder. For example, a one-dollar ticket holder that makes the same partially successful predictions as a two-dollar ticket holder can receive a lower secondary prize than the secondary prize received by the two-dollar ticket holder.

Third-Party Guarantee

FIG. 9 illustrates a probabilistic contest-based game system 900. The multi-priced shared-jackpot contest-based game system 200 can be used in conjunction with the probabilistic contest-based game system 900. In one embodiment, a jackpot guarantor 902 can assume the risk that would normally not exist in a pure pari-mutuel contest-based game. In another embodiment, the risk can be assumed in whole or in part by the contest-based game operator 920, or by the sponsoring jurisdiction, government, or quasi-governmental body. In another embodiment, the jackpot guarantor 902 can be a privately owned organization other than a jurisdiction. In another embodiment, the jackpot guarantor 902 can be a publicly held company. In yet other embodiments, the jackpot guarantor 902 can be an individual or a not-for-profit organization. In another embodiment, the obligation of the jackpot guarantor 902 can be supported through the purchase and application of prize indemnity insurance provided by an insurance company, reinsurer, or another financial institution, a performance bond, or some other financial instrument. The jackpot guarantor 902 can establish a pre-determined starting jackpot 940. In one embodiment, the pre-determined starting jackpot 940 can be a substantial prize that can entice ticket holders 108 that might not normally purchase a contest-based game ticket to do so. The contest-based game operator 920 can advertise the pre-determined starting jackpot 940 in order to stimulate and increase ticket sales. In one embodiment, the pre-determined starting jackpot 940 can be unfunded. Instead of pre-funding the jackpot, the jackpot guarantor 902 can set the pre-determined starting jackpot 940 at an amount that is large enough so that there is a probability that the allocable prize portion of ticket sales can equal or exceed the pre-determined starting jackpot 940. If the allocable prize portion of ticket sales is less than the pre-determined starting jackpot 940, the jackpot guarantor 902 can assume the risk for paying the differential between the ticket sales, or the allocable portion thereof, and the jackpot 930.

In one embodiment, the jackpot guarantor 902 can provide a guarantee to the contest-based game operator 920. In one embodiment, the guarantee can provide that the jackpot guarantor 902 assumes the risk for paying the pre-determined starting jackpot 940 if the allocable prize portion of ticket sales is not sufficient to cover the pre-determined starting jackpot 940. In another embodiment, the guarantee can provide that the jackpot guarantor assumes the risk of a portion or the entire amount of any secondary prizes that are won, to the extent that the allocable prize portion of ticket sales is not sufficient.

In one embodiment, the jackpot guarantor 902 can provide the guarantee in exchange for a stipulation. In one embodiment, the stipulation can include an obligation by the contest-based game operator 920 to provide a percentage of revenue generated from future ticket sales in exchange for the guarantee. In another embodiment, the stipulation can include an obligation by the contest-based game operator 920 to provide a fee in exchange for the guarantee.

The contest-based game operator 920 can receive payments for ticket sales from the point of sale 106. Further, the contest-based game operator 920 can receive information as to the predictions or selections of players evidenced by the tickets sold to the ticket holders 108 from the point of sale 906. Such information can be communicated online or through delivery of paper tickets and through the inputting of data contained thereon. The contest-based game operator can provide the ticket information to the winning number selector 910 to determine which tickets are the winning tickets based on occurrences and outcomes associated with the relevant sporting events or contests.

In one embodiment, the jackpot guarantor 902 can allocate the funds to the pre-determined starting jackpot 940 pool. In one embodiment, the jackpot guarantor 902 can set aside the large prize in a protected account to provide for payment. Therefore, the contest-based game operator can advertise a large prize because another entity actually has set aside the large prize. In another embodiment, the starting jackpot amount need not be set aside, but payment of the jackpot can be assured through prize indemnity insurance, a performance bond or another form of financial assurance or protection, which can be provided by a financially secure insurance company through a policy naming the contest-based game operator as a beneficiary. In another embodiment, the financial condition of the jackpot guarantor 902 can be sufficient to provide necessary financial assurance without the need for any bond or other form of financial protection.

FIG. 10 illustrates a probabilistic software configuration 1000 that can be used with the probabilistic contest-based game system in conjunction with the multiple-pricing shared-jackpot system 1800. As can be seen from FIG. 10, the probabilistic software configuration 1000 can include software for establishing a guarantee for a pre-determined contest-based game prize 940. A guarantee transmission module 1004 can transmit the guarantee through a network 1008. The network 1008 can be a wide-area network, a local-area network, the network, a wireless network, or any other network known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The guarantee transmission module 1004 can transmit the guarantee in exchange for a stipulation. In one embodiment, the stipulation can be an obligation for a percentage of future ticket sales. A stipulation reception module 1006 can receive the stipulation through the network 1008. In one embodiment, after the stipulation reception module 1006 receives the stipulation, the stipulation reception module 1006 can transmit a confirmation that the stipulation was received from the guarantee transmission module 1004.

A guarantee reception module 1010 can receive the guarantee from the network 1008. In one embodiment, upon receiving the guarantee, the guarantee reception module 1010 can provide an instruction to a stipulation transmission module 1012. The stipulation transmission module 1012 can then send the stipulation through the network 1008. As discussed above, the stipulation reception module 1006 can receive the stipulation and send the confirmation to the guarantee transmission module 1004 that the guarantee has been sent and that the stipulation, in exchange for which the guarantee was sent, has been received.

Add-On Game

The embodiments discussed above can provide an inducement for a purchaser of a contest-based game ticket to buy more contest-based game tickets and/or to buy a higher-priced contest-based game ticket as opposed to a lower-priced contest-based game ticket. By purchasing the higher-priced contest-based game ticket, the ticket holder can be provided with an opportunity to win a disproportionately larger portion of the jackpot than can be won by purchasing a lower-priced contest-based game ticket.

As a further inducement to increase ticket sales for the contest-based game, a contest-based game ticket can be provided with an add-on game in addition to the primary contest-based game. Through the additional prizes offered by the add-on game, players can be induced to purchase tickets for both the primary contest-based game and the add-on game. In one embodiment, the add-on game can be another contest-based game. Thus, multiple distinct game symbols can be used which can be based on the same or independent contests, or the add-on game can be other than a contest-based game. An embodiment contemplates two contest-based games, where one of the contest-based games, which can be the add-on game, can reflect a multi-priced shared-jackpot system as described in one of the previous embodiments, and the other contest-based game can provide only fixed prizes. In one embodiment, the add-on contest-based game can be associated with a contest or series of contests different from those associated with the primary game.

In addition, the add-on game can have a different prize structure from the primary contest-based game. In one example, the primary game can provide a progressive jackpot, while the add-on game provides fixed prizes. In another example, the primary game can provide a fixed jackpot, while the add-on game provides a variable progressive jackpot.

In another embodiment, the add-on game can have the same prize structure as the primary game. For example, both the primary game and the add-on game can provide a progressive jackpot.

In one embodiment, the add-on game can be a lottery-style game such as an online game, future draw game, or an instant game. In one example, the determination of the winning symbol or symbols can be based on future outcomes such as a drawing. Thus, the add-on game can have an associated drawing that can occur on a daily basis. In yet another example, the add-on game can be an instant game, where the ticket holder can instantly determine if the ticket holder's ticket wins the instant game prize.

In another embodiment, the results of an add-on game can be determined on the same day as the contest or contests associated with the primary contest-based game. In another embodiment, the results of the add-on game can be determined prior to the holding of the contests associated with the primary contest-based game. In yet another embodiment, the results of an add-on game can be determined based on the same symbol or symbols as that of the primary contest-based game.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the add-on game can be based on the same sporting event or contests and predicted occurrences or outcomes as the primary game, but can offer additional prizes as incentives to play the add-on game and to buy a ticket for the primary contest-based game. In another embodiment, the add-on game can be a game other than a sport-pool game or other than a contest-based game.

In one instance, the add-on game can require a separate purchase. In an alternative embodiment, the add-on game can be integrated as part of the purchase of the primary game.

FIG. 11A illustrates an embodiment of a contest-based game ticket 1100 that provides an add-on game that requires a separate purchase. The contest-based game ticket 1100 includes a contest-based game 1102 that is purchased at a ticket price 1116. In addition, the contest-based game ticket 110 includes an add-on game 1110 that can be purchased at a ticket price 1118. For example, the ticket price 1116 can be one dollar, while the ticket price 1118 for the add-on game can also be a dollar. In another example, the ticket price 1116 can vary according to a multi-priced offering of one-dollar, two-dollar, and three-dollar tickets. The prospective ticket purchaser can be required to first purchase a ticket for the contest-based game 1102 in order to purchase a ticket for the add-on game 1110. In one embodiment, the contest-based game 1102 can be distinct from the add-one game 1110. The add-on game 1110 can be an instant game, future draw game, etc. In another embodiment, the add-on game can be based on the same sporting events or contests and the same predicted occurrences as the primary contest-based game 1102, but can provide an opportunity to win larger or additional prizes.

Furthermore, the add-on game 1110 can be associated with a prize 1114 that can be won with winning primary contest-based game symbols 1112. In one embodiment, the prize 1114 can be a fixed prize. In another embodiment, the prize 1114 can be a progressive jackpot, and secondary prizes, which can be fixed, variable prizes or both, can be won. The fixed prize 1114 can be associated with the price 1118, which is the ticket price of the add-on game 1110, which can offer tickets for multiple prices, which could determine the prize or prizes that can be won determined on the basis of the applicable ticket price.

The contest-based game ticket 1100 can include contest-based game symbols 1104 that correspond to occurrences or outcomes that a ticket holder of the contest-based game ticket 1120 hopes will transpire in association with a sporting event or contest, or a series of such events or contests. As stated previously, the symbols can be a subset of a set of designated sporting events or contests which are predicted by the ticket purchaser to have or evidence the required occurrence or outcome. The symbols, contests and occurrences can be the same for the primary game and for the add-on game. In one embodiment, the contest-based game symbols can be selected by the ticket holder. In another embodiment, the contest-based game symbols can be a quick pick, which are generated using a random number generator for the ticket holder. In yet another embodiment, the contest-based game symbols can be pre-printed on the contest-based game ticket 1100.

In order to play the add-on game, players can be required to purchase a ticket for the primary game first. As such, players that wish to participate in the add-on game can be enticed to purchase a ticket for the primary game in order to play the add-on game and win additional prizes.

FIG. 11B illustrates an embodiment of a contest-based game ticket 1200 that provides an add-on game that does not require a separate purchase. The contest-based game ticket 1120 can include a primary contest-based game 1102 and an add-on game 1124. A player can participate in both games, the primary contest-based game 1102 and the add-on game 1124 by purchasing the contest-based game ticket 1120 at a ticket price 1122. As such, a player who wishes to participate in the add-on game 1124 does not have to make an additional purchase. Tickets for the primary game can be offered at multiple prices, such as one dollar, two dollars, and three dollars, reflecting the multi-pricing system as previously discussed. Accordingly, prizes for the add-on game can be greater for the higher-priced tickets, creating a further incentive to the prospective player to purchase a higher-priced ticket.

The contest-based game ticket 1120 can also include contest-based game symbols 1104 that correspond to occurrences or outcomes that a ticket holder of the contest-based game ticket 1120 hopes will transpire with reference to a sporting event or contest or series of such events or contests. In one embodiment, the add-on game 1124 can also include contest-based game symbols 1128. In addition, the free or integrated add-on game 1120 can be associated with a prize 1130 that can be won with contest-based game symbols 1128 for the primary contest-based game.

The contest-based game ticket 1120 with an integrated add-on game can provide the ticket holder with the notion that the add-on game is a bonus game. The purchaser can view the bonus game as effectively reducing the cost of the primary contest-based game 1102. For instance, if the purchaser buys a three-dollar ticket, the purchaser can view the three-dollar ticket as a cost of three dollars to enter the primary contest-based game 1102 and a free bonus add-on game. The purchaser can associate the value of the bonus game with other similar games. For example, the purchaser can view the add-on game as being worth one dollar. Therefore, the purchaser can view the purchase of the contest-based game ticket as providing a savings of one dollar, the perceived value of the add-on game, thereby representing a one-dollar purchase of an add-on game and a two-dollar discounted purchase of a primary contest-based game ticket worth three dollars. In either situation, a purchaser may be induced to utilize the money that was saved to purchase another ticket. For instance, in the above example, the purchaser can view the savings as being one dollar and can buy an additional ticket for one dollar.

FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of the pricing format 1200 utilized to provide the contest-based game ticket 1100 displayed in FIG. 11. A potential ticket holder can utilize the pricing format 1200 to determine the distributions for the variable prize 1106 and the fixed prize 1114 based on the price of the contest-based game ticket 1100 that can be purchased. A variable prize indication 1202 can disclose the value of the initial jackpot. The value of the initial jackpot can be provided so that a ticket holder can calculate the potential distribution of the jackpot. Further, a contest-based game label 1204 can identify the contest-based game that the player can enter for the combined price 1101. For instance, the player can enter both the primary contest-based game 1102 and the free add-on game 1110. The player can buy the primary contest-based game ticket 1100 for one of the plurality of ticket prices 1206. For example, the ticket prices can be one dollar, two dollars, and three dollars. A percentage label 1208 can disclose the percentages associated with each of the prices. A plurality of percentages 1210 can be provided wherein each percentage corresponds to each of the prices 1206. For instance, a one-dollar ticket can be associated with up to twenty-five percent of the jackpot, a two-dollar ticket can be associated with up to fifty percent, and a three-dollar ticket can be associated with up to one hundred percent. In addition, a fixed prize label 1212 can indicate that a fixed prize can be won in the add-on game 1110, which could represent a secondary prize. Further, a plurality of fixed prizes 1214 can be disclosed for each of the price categories 1206. For instance, a one-dollar ticket holder can win a twenty-five thousand dollar fixed prize, a two-dollar ticket holder can win a fifty thousand dollar prize, and a three-dollar ticket holder can win a one hundred thousand dollar prize. In one embodiment, the fixed prizes need not be shared. For instance, in the above example, if a one-dollar ticket holder and a three-dollar ticket holder win the same add-on game, the one-dollar ticket holder can win twenty-five thousand dollars and the three-dollar ticket holder can win one hundred thousand dollars. In another example, if there were two winning one-dollar ticket holders, each can win twenty-five thousand dollars. In an alternative embodiment, the fixed prizes can be shared. In a further embodiment, certain prizes can be variable.

The contest-based game ticket with the contest-based game and free or integrated add-on game can provide a further increase in contest-based game ticket sale revenues because the player can be given more opportunities to win prizes, which can stimulate an interest in buying tickets or induce prospective purchasers to buy a greater number of tickets or otherwise spend more on tickets. Further, such additional sales or the prospect of additional sales can help to increase the jackpot, through a third party guarantee and/or an allocation of ticket sales revenues, to a size that meets or surpasses a player's jackpot threshold levels, thereby further stimulating ticket sales. Moreover, in a traditional pari-mutuel contest-based game, game players normally wait until the day of the contests associated with the primary contest-based game to determine if the jackpot for such game meets or surpasses their jackpot thresholds. In the embodiments discussed above, prospective contest-based game ticket holders may choose to purchase a contest-based game ticket days before the associated contest or contests due to an enhanced jackpot level that meets their expectations or due to the add-on game and its timing. Accordingly, these ticket holders can buy additional tickets on days leading up to and, in one embodiment, on the day of the applicable contests. The ticket holder can lose the initial add-on game but can want to buy additional tickets on subsequent days to play subsequent add-on games where new add-on games are offered daily, as they can be in one embodiment of a primary contest-based game with a free integrated add-on game. One of the incentives is that each ticket that has a losing daily add-on game has the potential for winning the primary contest-based game. Another incentive is the opportunity to win the prizes offered in subsequent add-on games. Therefore, the ticket holder can be induced to purchase multiple contest-based game tickets, thereby increasing contest-based game ticket sales.

In an alternative embodiment, the prize 1114 in the add-on game 1110 can be a fixed-variable combination prize. By the term “fixed-variable combination prize”, it is meant that a prize has a fixed prize distribution and can also increase above the fixed prize by a portion of revenues received from ticket sales. In one embodiment, the ticket holder would be eligible for the fixed prize corresponding to the price of the contest-based game ticket 1101 and a percentage of a variable prize distribution. In one embodiment, the percentage format can be the same as for the primary contest-based game 1102. In another embodiment, the percentage format can be different from that of the primary contest-based game 1102.

In one embodiment, a ticket holder that wins a fixed-variable combination prize need not share the fixed prize portion or the variable prize portion with other winners according to the sharing methodologies described above. In another embodiment, the ticket holder that wins a fixed-variable combination prize need not share the fixed prize portion but can be required to share the variable portion with other winners according to the sharing methodologies described. For instance, intra-sharing and/or inter-sharing methodologies can be utilized. Accordingly, in these embodiments, a first portion of ticket sales can be contributed to the variable prize of the contest-based game 1102 based on the variable prize 1106, and a second portion of ticket sales can be contributed to the fixed-variable combination prize of the add-on game 1110. The progressive aspect seen in this embodiment of contest-based games can provide further inducement for increased contest-based game ticket sales because the prizes in both games increase.

FIG. 13 illustrates a contest-based game ticket dispensing machine 1300. The different embodiments discussed above can be implemented with the use of the contest-based game ticket dispensing machine 1300, which can be positioned at various point-of-sale locations. For instance, the multi-price contest-based game ticket 1100 can be dispensed from the contest-based game ticket dispensing machine 1300. The contest-based game ticket dispensing machine can have a housing 1302 which stores the internal components of the contest-based game ticket dispensing machine 1300. In addition, the contest-based game ticket dispensing machine 1300 also can have a user input module 1304 on which a user can input data for the sale of a contest-based game ticket. For instance, the vendor can input a price category selected from the plurality of distinct known price categories. In one embodiment, each of the price categories can have an associated variable prize distribution and an associated fixed prize distribution. Accordingly, a contest-based game ticket can be purchased for a price which can include a free or integrated game, and which add-on game can be offered and played on a daily basis or other basis more frequent than the primary contest-based game.

The price category that the vendor enters can be displayed on a screen 1308 of a display 1306. In one embodiment, the display 1306 can be a graphical user interface. In another embodiment, the display 1306 can display data other than the price categories.

The vendor can then sell tickets in the respective price categories. When a purchaser would like to purchase a contest-based game ticket, the vendor can enter the purchase information into the contest-based game ticket dispensing machine 1300 via the user input device 1304. In one embodiment, the user input device can be a keyboard. In another embodiment, the user input device can be operated by using a computer mouse. In an alternative embodiment, the user input device can be a touch screen. In yet another embodiment, the user input device can be voice activated. In an alternative embodiment, the display 1306 can display the purchased information that can be entered via the user input device 1304.

In one embodiment, the contest-based game ticket dispensing machine 1300 can have a payment reception module (not shown) that can receive a payment for the purchase of a contest-based game ticket. In another embodiment, the payment reception module can receive an electronic payment.

After the vendor inputs the data needed to sell a ticket from one of the selected price categories, a ticket 1312 can be printed from a contest-based game ticket printer 1310. In one embodiment, the ticket printer 1310 can be housed within the housing 1302. In another embodiment, the contest-based game ticket printer 1310 can be positioned outside of the housing 1302 and can be operably connected to the contest-based game ticket dispensing machine 1300. In yet another embodiment, the contest-based game ticket printer 1310 can receive data from the contest-based game ticket dispensing machine 1300 through a wireless connection. In yet another embodiment, the contest-based game ticket printer 1310 can print the tickets on a screen 1308 of a display 1306. In addition, tickets can be preprinted, in which event the ticket dispensing machine 1300 only needs to distribute the tickets bought at the dispensing machine 1300.

The ticket dispensing machine 1300 can be implemented in multiple ways. In one example, the ticket dispensing machine 1300 can be a stand-alone terminal through which ticket purchasers can purchase a contest-based game ticket and receive a paper ticket. In another embodiment, the ticket dispensing machine 1300 can be a personal computer that permits ticket purchasers to purchase tickets through a computer network such as the Internet and print a paper ticket at a local printer. In yet another example, the ticket dispensing machine 1300 can be a handheld device, such as a personal data assistant (PDA), a cell phone, smart phone, pocket PC, etc.

The concept of a contest-based game, as used herein, and the methodology described herein to enhance such games, can extend to any sport pool game and any game based on some other type of event or contest or a series of events or contests. The multi-priced system described herein can be applied to any game in which tickets are sold to ticket purchasers who can wager on the result, outcome, or occurrences during and after a contest, match, race or any series of sporting or other events, etc.

While the apparatus and method have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. For example, when examples herein refer to United States dollars as the price for game tickets, the currency used for the price can be any official currency of a foreign government or jurisdiction. In another example, it should be understood that the multi-priced game described herein can be any form of contest-based game, and not only those which are sports-related. Furthermore, it should also be understood that symbols as used in the present disclosure can include or mean any alphanumeric character, indicia, figure, sign, emblem, logo, image, icon, designation, or a group or combination thereof. The present disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims. 

1. A method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game, the method comprising: providing a first-price category in which a first-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first price, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket displays a first plurality of player-selected symbols, wherein the first plurality of player-selected symbols is chosen by a first purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a sporting contest, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if at least one of the first plurality of player-selected symbols is a winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the first-price category indicates a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price contest-based game ticket; providing a second-price category in which a second-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second price, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket displays a second plurality of player-selected symbols, wherein the second plurality of player-selected symbols is chosen by a second purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with the sporting contest, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if at least one of the second plurality of player-selected symbols is the winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the second-price category indicates a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price contest-based game ticket, wherein the prize includes at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets; providing a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; providing a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; and providing a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the potential occurrences correspond to a plurality of sporting contests, and wherein The contest-based game is a sport pool game.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sporting contest is a soccer match.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the sporting contest is a football game, a basketball game, a baseball game, a volleyball game, a hockey game, a tennis match, a rugby match, or a boxing match.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the sporting contest is a horse race, a dog race, a car race, a skiing race, a skating race, or a track meet.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the prize is a jackpot.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the prize is a progressive jackpot.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the sporting contest is a tournament.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of selectable symbols further corresponds to potential outcomes of the sporting contest.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the winning ticket wins based on the number of occurrences that were correctly predicted.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the inter-sharing formula is a weighted distribution that provides a larger portion of the first percentage to winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets.
 13. The method of claim 1, providing a third-price category in which a third-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a third price, wherein the third-price contest-based game ticket displays a third plurality of player-selected symbols, wherein the third plurality of player-selected symbols is chosen by the purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with the sporting contest, wherein the third-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if at least one of the third plurality of player-selected symbols is a winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the third-price category indicates a third known percentage of a prize that can be won by the third-price contest-based game ticket.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing a third-price category intra-shared distribution of the third known percentage of the prize if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in a plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets has the winning symbol, wherein the third-price category is the only price category having the winning symbol, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets shares the third known percentage of the prize according to a third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing the divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, the divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, the divided third-price category intra-shared distribution of the third known percentage of the prize, and the inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets has the winning symbol, if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of second-price category contest-based game tickets has the winning symbol, and if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets has the winning symbol, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets shares the third known percentage of the prize according to the divided third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets and each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to a first triplet inter-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets according to a second triplet inter-sharing distribution formula.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize is guaranteed by a third party.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the second-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize is guaranteed by a third party.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, the divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and the inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize are guaranteed by a third party.
 19. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a secondary prize if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets has a partially winning symbol, wherein a partially winning symbol represents an occurrence associated with a portion of the sporting contest.
 20. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a secondary prize if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets has a partially winning symbol, wherein a partially winning symbol represents an occurrence associated with a portion of the sporting contest.
 21. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an add-on game in the first-price category contest-based game ticket and the second-price category contest-based game ticket.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the add-on game in the first-price category contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first pre-established add-on price, and wherein the add-on game in the second-price category contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second pre-established add-on price.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the add-on game in the first-price category contest-based game ticket can be offered at no additional cost, and wherein the add-on game in the second-price category contest-based game ticket can be offered at no additional cost.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein a winner of the add-on game is determined based on occurrences associated with the sporting contest.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein a winner of the add-on game is determined based on occurrences associated with a secondary sporting contest.
 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the add-on game is not a contest-based game.
 27. A method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game, the method comprising: providing a first-price category in which a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be purchased at a first price, wherein each of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets displays a first plurality of symbols corresponding to a first selection of sporting contests, wherein a ticket in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a first-price winning ticket if a predetermined number of sporting contests of the first selection of sporting contests have a predetermined outcome, wherein the first-price category indicates a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price winning ticket; providing a second-price category in which a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be purchased at a second price, wherein each of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets displays a second plurality of symbols corresponding to a second selection of sporting contests, wherein a ticket in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a second-price winning ticket if a predetermined number of sporting contests of the second selection of sporting contests have a predetermined outcome, wherein the second-price category indicates a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price winning ticket, wherein the prize includes at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets; providing a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; providing a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; and providing a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first predicted occurrence is different than the second predicted occurrence.
 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the first predicted occurrence is the same as the second predicted occurrence.
 30. The method of claim 27, wherein the contest-based game is a sport pool game.
 31. The method of claim 27, wherein the sporting contest is a soccer match.
 32. The method of claim 27, wherein the sporting contest is a football game, basketball game, a baseball game, a volleyball game, a hockey game, a tennis match, a rugby match, or a boxing match.
 33. The method of claim 27, wherein the sporting contest is a horse race, a dog race, a car race, a skiing race, a skating race, or a track meet.
 34. The method of claim 27, wherein the prize is a jackpot.
 35. The method of claim 27, wherein the prize is a progressive jackpot.
 36. The method of claim 27, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.
 37. The method of claim 27, wherein the inter-sharing formula is a weighted distribution that provides a larger portion of the first percentage to winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets.
 38. A method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game, the method comprising: providing a first-price category in which a first-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first price, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket displays a first player-selected symbol, wherein the first player-selected symbol is chosen by a first purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a sporting contest, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if the first player-selected symbol is a first winning symbol, wherein the first winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the first-price category indicates a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price contest-based game ticket; providing a second-price category in which a second-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second price, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket displays a second player-selected symbol, wherein the second player-selected symbol is chosen by a second purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with the sporting contest, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if the second player-selected symbol is a second winning symbol, wherein the second winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the second-price category indicates a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price contest-based game ticket, wherein the prize includes at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets; providing a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; and providing a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.
 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising providing a guarantee of payment of the first-price category intra-shared distribution and a guarantee of payment of the second-price category intra-shared distribution, wherein the grantee is in exchange for a stipulation of a percentage of ticket sales revenue from the first-price category contest-based game tickets and from the second-price category contest-based game tickets, wherein the guarantee is provided prior to commencement of ticket sales in the contest-based game.
 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising receiving the percentage of the ticket sales revenue.
 41. The method of claim 38, wherein the guarantee ensures that that the payment of the prize will be made even if the ticket sales are not sufficient in amount to satisfy a prize-payment obligation.
 42. The method of claim 38, wherein the guarantee ensures that the payment of the prize will be made even if the percentage of the ticket sales revenue allocated to prizes is not sufficient in amount to satisfy the prize-payment obligation.
 43. A method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game, the method comprising: providing a first-price category in which a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets can be purchased at a first price, wherein each of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets displays a first symbol corresponding to a first predicted occurrence associated with a sporting contest, wherein a ticket in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a first-price winning ticket if the predicted occurrence represented by the symbol in the first-price winning ticket occurs in association with the sporting contest, wherein the first-price category indicates a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price winning ticket; providing a second-price category in which a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets can be purchased at a second price, wherein each of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets displays a second symbol corresponding to a second predicted occurrence associated with the sporting contest, wherein a ticket in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a second-price winning ticket if the second predicted occurrence represented by the second symbol in the second-price winning ticket occurs in association with the sporting contest, wherein the second-price category indicates a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price winning ticket, wherein the prize includes at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets; providing a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; and providing a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.
 44. The method of claim 43, providing a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, and wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula.
 45. The method of claim 43, wherein the inter-sharing formula is a weighted distribution that provides a larger portion of the first percentage to winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets.
 46. The method of claim 45, providing a guarantee of payment of the first-price category intra-shared distribution and a guarantee of payment of the second-price category intra-shared distribution, wherein the guarantee is in exchange for a stipulation of a percentage of ticket sales revenue from the first-price category contest-based game tickets and from the second-price category contest-based game tickets, wherein the guarantee is provided prior to commencement of ticket sales in the contest-based game.
 47. The method of claim 45, further comprising receiving the percentage of the ticket sales revenue.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the guarantee ensures that that the payment of the prize will be made even if the ticket sales are not sufficient in amount to satisfy a prize-payment obligation.
 49. The method of claim 47, wherein the guarantee ensures that the payment of the prize will be made even if the percentage of the ticket sales revenue allocated to prizes is not sufficient in amount to satisfy the prize-payment obligation.
 50. A multi-priced contest-based game system, comprising: a first-price category module that provides a first-price category in which a first-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first price, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket displays a player-selected symbol, wherein the player-selected symbol is chosen by the purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a sporting contest, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if the player-selected symbol is a winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the first-price category indicates a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price contest-based game ticket; a second-price category module that provides a second-price category in which a second-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second price, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket displays a player-selected symbol, wherein the player-selected symbol is chosen by the purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with the sporting contest, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if the player-selected symbol is the winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the second-price category indicates a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price contest-based game ticket, wherein the prize includes at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets; a first price intra-shared distribution module that provides a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; and a second price intra-shared distribution module that provides a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.
 51. The method of claim 50, further comprising a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution module that provides a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution module that provides a divided second known price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution module that provides an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula.
 52. The method of claim 50, a third-price category module that provides a third-price category in which a third-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a third price, wherein the third-price contest-based game ticket displays a player-selected symbol, wherein the player-selected symbol is chosen by the purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with the sporting contest, wherein the third-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if the player-selected symbol is a winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the third-price category indicates a third known percentage of a prize that can be won by the third-price contest-based game ticket;
 53. The method of claim 52, further comprising a third-price category intra-shared distribution module that provides a third-price category intra-shared distribution of the third known percentage of the prize if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in a plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets has the winning symbol, wherein the third-price category is the only price category having the winning symbol, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets shares the third known percentage of the prize according to a third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula.
 54. The method of claim 53, further comprising a divided third-price category intra-shared distribution module that provides a divided third-price category intra-shared distribution of the third known percentage of the prize, if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets has a winning symbol, if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based same tickets has a winning symbol, and if at least one of the contest-based game tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets has a winning symbol, wherein the inter-shared distribution module provides an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets shares the third known percentage of the prize according to the divided third-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets and each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets shares the fist known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to a first triplet inter-sharing distribution formula, and wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of third-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets according to a second triplet inter-sharing distribution formula.
 55. A method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game, the method comprising: providing a first-price category in which a first-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first price, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket displays a first player-selected symbol, wherein the first player-selected symbol is chosen by a first purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a contest, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if the first player-selected symbol is a winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the first-price category indicates a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price contest-based game ticket; providing a second-price category in which a second-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second price, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket displays a second player-selected symbol, wherein the second player-selected symbol is chosen by a second purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with the contest, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if the second player-selected symbol is the winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the second-price category indicates a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price contest-based game ticket, wherein the prize includes at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets; providing a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; providing a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of second-place contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; and providing a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price content-based game tickets is a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula.
 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the contest-based game is a sport pool game.
 57. The method of claim 55, wherein the contest is a soccer match, a football game, a basketball game, a baseball game, a volleyball game, a hockey game, a tennis match, a rugby match, or a boxing match.
 58. The method of claim 55, wherein the contest is a horse race, a dog race, a car race, a skiing race, a skating race, or a track meet.
 59. The method of claim 55, wherein the prize is a jackpot.
 60. The method of claim 55, wherein the prize is a progressive jackpot.
 61. The method of claim 55, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.
 62. The method of claim 55, wherein the contest is a tournament.
 63. The method of claim 55, wherein the plurality of selectable symbols further corresponds to potential outcomes of the contest.
 64. The method of claim 55, wherein the winning ticket wins based on the number of occurrences that were correctly predicted.
 65. A method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game, the method comprising: providing a first-price category in which a first-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first price, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket displays a first player-selected symbol, wherein the first player-selected symbol is chosen by a first purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential outcomes of a contest, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if the first player-selected symbol is a winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential outcome that is correctly predicted, wherein the first-price category indicates a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price contest-based game ticket; providing a second-price category in which a second-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second price, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket displays a second player-selected symbol, wherein the second player-selected symbol is chosen by a second purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential outcomes of the contest, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if the second player-selected symbol is the winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential outcome that is correctly predicted, wherein the second-price category indicates a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price contest-based game ticket, wherein the prize includes at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets; providing a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; providing a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; and providing a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula.
 66. The method of claim 65, wherein the contest-based game is a sport pool game.
 67. The method of claim 65, wherein the contest is a soccer match.
 68. The method of claim 65, wherein the contest is a football game, a basketball game, a baseball game, a volleyball game, a hockey game, a tennis match, a rugby match, or a boxing match.
 69. The method of claim 65, wherein the contest is a horse race, a dog race, a car race, a skiing race, a skating race, or a track meet.
 70. The method of claim 65, wherein the prize is a jackpot.
 71. The method of claim 65, wherein the prize is a progressive jackpot.
 72. The method of claim 65, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.
 73. The method of claim 65, wherein the contest is a tournament.
 74. The method of claim 65, wherein the plurality of selectable symbols further corresponds to potential occurrences associated with the contest.
 75. The method of claim 65, wherein the winning ticket wins based on the number of outcomes that were correctly predicted.
 76. A method for providing a multi-priced contest-based game, the method comprising: providing a first-price category in which a first-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a first price, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket displays a first player-selected symbol, wherein the first player-selected symbol is chosen by a first purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with a plurality of contests, wherein the first-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if the first player-selected symbol is a winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the first-price category indicates a first known percentage of a prize that can be won by the first-price contest-based game ticket; providing a second-price category in which a second-price contest-based game ticket can be purchased at a second price, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket displays a second player-selected symbol, wherein the second player-selected symbol is chosen by a second purchaser from a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to potential occurrences associated with the plurality of contests, wherein the second-price contest-based game ticket is a winning ticket if the second player-selected symbol is the winning symbol, wherein the winning symbol corresponds to a potential occurrence that is correctly predicted, wherein the second-price category indicates a second known percentage of a prize that can be won by the second-price contest-based game ticket, wherein the prize includes at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets and at least a portion of the revenue provided from a plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets; providing a first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the first category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to a first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, providing a second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein the second category is the only price category having a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to a second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula; and providing a divided first-price category intra-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize, a divided second-price category intra-shared distribution of the second known percentage of the prize, and an inter-shared distribution of the first known percentage of the prize if at least one of the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets is a winning ticket and if at least one of the plurality of second-price contest-price game tickets is a winning ticket, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize according to the divided first-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the second known percentage of the prize according to the divided second-price category intra-sharing distribution formula, wherein each of the winning tickets in the plurality of second-price contest-based game tickets shares the first known percentage of the prize with each of the winning tickets in the plurality of first-price contest-based game tickets according to an inter-sharing distribution formula.
 77. The method of claim 76, wherein the contest-based game is a sport pool game.
 78. The method of claim 76, wherein a contest in the plurality of contests can be any one of a soccer match, a football game, a basketball game, a baseball game, a volleyball game, a hockey game, a tennis match, a rugby match, or a boxing match.
 79. The method of claim 76, wherein a contest in the plurality of contests can be any one of a horse race, a dog race, a car race, a skiing race, a skating race, or a track meet.
 80. The method of claim 76, wherein the prize is a jackpot.
 81. The method of claim 76, wherein the prize is a progressive jackpot.
 82. The method of claim 76, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.
 83. The method of claim 76, wherein the plurality of contests is a tournament.
 84. The method of claim 76, wherein the plurality of selectable symbols further corresponds to potential outcomes of the plurality of contests.
 85. The method of claim 76, wherein the winning ticket wins based on the number of occurrences that were correctly predicted. 